Prayer: Definition and How to Pray – Basic 1 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Prayer is talking to God and listening to Him. It is a relationship with our Heavenly Father, and we can talk to Him like a friend. We can pray in different positions, at any time and in any place. The Bible says, “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17), and God hears us everywhere.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• say what prayer is
• name some positions we can use when we pray
• list the steps for praying
• give reasons why we should always pray to God
• say when and where we can pray

What is prayer?

Prayer means

• Talking to God
• Having a conversation with God
• Sharing our thoughts with God
• Listening to God
• Spending time with God

Prayer is not

• Just reciting words
• Only asking for things
• A magic formula
• Only for church

Prayer is

• A relationship with God
• Communication with our Heavenly Father
• A way to draw close to God
• Talking to God like a friend

What does the Bible say about prayer?

“Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

This means: pray all the time and keep talking to God.

What are the different ways to pray?

1. Kneeling

• We kneel down on our knees
• This shows respect and humility
• Jesus knelt when He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane
• Daniel knelt three times a day to pray

2. Standing

• We can stand and pray
• This is common in many churches
• It shows readiness and alertness
• Solomon stood when dedicating the temple

3. Sitting

• We can sit and pray
• Especially when praying quietly or meditating
• David sat before the Lord and prayed

4. Lying down

• We can pray lying in bed
• Before sleeping or when waking up
• God hears us in any position

5. With hands raised

• Lifting our hands to God
• Shows surrender and worship
• Psalm 63:4 says, “I will lift up my hands in your name”

6. With eyes closed

• We close our eyes to avoid distractions
• Helps us focus on God
• God also hears us when our eyes are open

7. With bowed head

• Bowing shows reverence
• We bow our heads in respect
• A common way to pray before meals

How do we pray?

Step 1: Find a quiet place

• Go somewhere quiet
• Stay away from noise and distractions
• Jesus often went to quiet places to pray

Step 2: Get in a prayer position

• Kneel, stand or sit
• Get comfortable
• Close your eyes

Step 3: Start with praise

• Begin by praising God
• “Dear God, You are great!”
• Honour His name

Step 4: Thank God

• Thank Him for what He has done
• “Thank you for my family”
• Show gratitude

Step 5: Confess your sins

• Tell God if you did something wrong
• Say “I’m sorry”
• Ask for forgiveness

Step 6: Make your requests

• Tell God what you need
• Ask for help
• Pray for others

Step 7: Listen

• Be quiet for a moment
• God may speak to your heart
• Listen for His voice

Step 8: Close in Jesus’ name

• End by saying “In Jesus’ name”
• Say “Amen” (which means “so be it”)

Why should we always pray to God?

1. God wants to hear from us

• God is our Father
• He loves it when we talk to Him
• He desires fellowship with us

2. Prayer gives us strength

• When we pray, God strengthens us
• We receive power to face challenges
• Isaiah 40:31 says those who wait on the Lord renew their strength

3. Prayer brings peace

• When we are worried, prayer helps
• Philippians 4:6-7 tells us not to be anxious about anything and to bring everything to God in prayer
• God’s peace will guard our hearts

4. Prayer changes things

• Prayer has power
• God answers prayer
• Things happen when we pray

5. Prayer protects us

• Prayer is like a shield
• It protects us from the enemy
• Ephesians 6:18 says, “pray in the Spirit on all occasions”

6. Prayer helps us know God better

• The more we pray, the closer we get to God
• We understand His will
• We hear His voice

7. Prayer shows we trust God

• When we pray, we show we depend on God
• We are saying, “God, I need You”
• It demonstrates faith

8. Jesus taught us to pray

• Jesus prayed all the time
• He taught His disciples to pray
• If Jesus prayed, we should pray too

9. Prayer defeats the enemy

• The devil hates prayer
• Prayer brings God’s power
• It defeats evil

10. God commands us to pray

• The Bible tells us to pray
• It is a commandment, so we should obey

When should we pray?

• In the morning (start your day with God)
• Before meals (thank God for food)
• At bedtime (end your day with God)
• Before tests (ask for wisdom)
• When you are scared (God will comfort you)
• When you are happy (share your joy)
• When you are sad (God will help)
• When you need something (ask God)
• For others (pray for family and friends)
• Anytime (God is always ready to listen)

Where can we pray?

You can pray:

• At home
• At church
• At school (silently)
• In your room
• In the garden
• Anywhere

God hears you everywhere.

Simple prayers for children

Morning prayer

“Good morning, God!
Thank you for this new day.
Please help me to be good today.
Protect me and my family.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Mealtime prayer

“Dear God,
Thank you for this food.
Bless it to our bodies.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Bedtime prayer

“Dear God,
Thank you for today.
Forgive me for any wrong I did.
Keep me safe tonight.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Remember

• Prayer is simply talking to God
• Be yourself
• God understands you
• He loves to hear from you
• Do not be afraid to pray

Evaluation

Choose the correct answer.

1. Prayer is _____ to God.
   • a) shouting
   • b) talking
   • c) singing only
2. We can pray with our eyes _____.
   • a) open or closed
   • b) only open
   • c) only closed
3. Jesus taught us to _____.
   • a) never pray
   • b) pray sometimes
   • c) pray continually
4. We end our prayers by saying _____.
   • a) goodbye
   • b) Amen
   • c) hello
5. God _____ our prayers.
   • a) never hears
   • b) always hears
   • c) sometimes ignores

Assignment

1. Practise kneeling and praying every day.
2. Pray in the morning, afternoon and night.
3. Teach your younger brother or sister how to pray.
4. Draw yourself praying to God.